For when sleep doesn't come ...

Turned in early last night. 7 p.m. Thats early, even for us, but Mrs CB had an early start.

By midnight, my lump was hurting and i was tossing and turning. I'd already gotten in a good few hours of sleep, but more seemed unlikely. Normally, under those circumstances, I'd get up, crack an ice cold beer, and then slowly allow my mind to want back to sleep.

Last night, we had thunder, lightning, hail, then gentle rain. Mrs CB does not like thunder, so I stayed where I was, at her side. Good decision.

Sometimes you can be lonely with others there. I was last night. Mrs CB was deep asleep. I would have liked to talk.

But I reminded myself to listen to the sounds I normally would not hear.

All I heard was this.

[Breath] ---- in....... out ...... in ....... out. (Mrs CB)

And then I tuned into the other sounds I normally can't hear, but a busy day drowns those sounds out.

I heard the beautiful rain.

I heard the rumble of thunder.

And all in the time ---- breathe ..... in ..... out......

Rain falls. Pitter Patter .... Pitter Patter.....

In..... out.

And within 10 minutes, my eyes were heavy, and I don't remember a thing until morning. I woke up fresh and ready.

Sleep can be hard when you're stressed. Life is a worry. Life is harder when you have a visual difference, or in my case, a lump that can negate sleep.

But in the dark, remember you're not alone. And focus on your breath.

In ...... out.

I matched my breathing to Mrs CBs. I think I was genuinely out for the count in the end.

Sleep is so important for your health. Remember that it must be taken as seriously as food, and water, and warmth, and talking when you need.

Just breathe in ...... and out.......

Stay well friends, and much love to all here, and if you have tips to share with the insomniacs amongst us, please do tell!

[Matrix1959]

I often have trouble sleeping and try to remember to focus on my breathing.

[EvaChangingFaces Partner]

Such a beautifully written reminder to focus on our breathing and the calm we can find around us even in the middle of a storm and of how vital sleep can be for our wellbeing and mood!

Thank you Hidden

[Solocat Community Ambassador]

Circuitbreaker, my man, you always nail it! Thanks for this peace of advice. It came divinely at a moment when I'm really wanting to get some tip and you come up with such a good one. I'll get back to you on this.

Again, big big hugs, brother!